The Naples connection with Gary Woodland's U.S. Open victory over Brooks Koepka

Gary Woodland takes a moment between greens during the 30th annual QBE Shootout first round last year in Naples. The 2019 U.S. Open champion tied for third in the Shootout with Charley Hoffman.(Photo: Srijita Chattopadhyay/Naples Daily News)

Gary Woodland doesn't have a home in Naples, but like many other places, there were plenty around town rooting for him during the final round of the U.S. Open on Sunday.

Woodland, who staved off two-time champion Brooks Koepka to win by three at Pebble Beach, has played in the QBE Shootout, Greg Norman's PGA Tour event, the past five years, and built a strong connection with the tournament host and the tournament in general.

"My friend I am so (abbreviated expletive) happy for you," Norman posted on his Instagram. "No one and I mean no one deserves this more than you. Go enjoy the spoils and use it as a springboard for many others, US Open Champ!!!!"

Norman and Woodland actually worked together on his game in 2014 when Woodland called him. The two ended up spending a day together shortly after that. Woodland's caddie at the time, Tony Navarro, had been Norman's longtime caddie on the tour, and both had also worked with instructor Butch Harmon.

That relationship has continued, with Woodland playing in the QBE Shootout later that year and every year since.

"They've really hit it off and they've got a nice bond," QBE Shootout tournament director Rob Hartman said. "I know Greg was extremely excited to see Gary win on Sunday. As far as players on tour, I know him and Greg are incredibly close.

"What you see is what you get with Gary. He's one of the fan and sponsor favorites out there on tour. We've had the pleasure of having him at the QBE Shootout for five years. He's been an incredible ambassador for the event. ... We're all big fans of Gary. It was really nice to see him pull it off."

Part-time Naples resident Curtis Strange watched Woodland do it in person. As a member of the Fox Sports broadcasting team, Strange continued to be impressed over and over with Woodland as he held off Koepka, who was trying to win his third straight U.S. Open.

The 3-wood that Woodland hit on No. 14 that resulted in a birdie and the incredible chip shot off part of the hourglass green on No. 17 that finished inches from the hole stood out.

"He hit two shots Sunday afternoon under tremendous pressure on the biggest stage," Strange said. "It's just good stuff."

Woodland had won three times on the tour, but also had the unenviable 0-for-7 record when leading an event after 54 holes. And he hadn't done anything of consequence in a major until he tied for sixth in the PGA Championship last year. Woodland played with Tiger Woods, whose resurgence after years of injuries resulted in a second-place finish to Koepka.

"You look and it's the same group of guys who were up there, Dustin Johnson and Rory (McIlroy) and Justin Rose," Strange said. "And the guy you didn't expect was Gary Woodland. Now where did he come from? He's been a solid player; his short game has held him back."

Strange remembers a time when Woodland, now 35, was someone forecast to be a star. He was a former college basketball player at Washburn University, a Division II school, before transferring to Kansas to play golf. And Woodland was a long hitter, at one point leading the tour in driving distance. But while he had some success, it wasn't to that degree. Until Sunday.

"Maybe this is the turnaround," said Strange, who was part of a U.S. Open champions reunion earlier in the week. "Maybe he starts to record better finishes. He's been a good, solid player. Looking back on it, the world really doesn't know Gary Woodland. But we did."

U.S. Open champ @GaryWoodland stopped by to surprise Amy Bockerstette, one of his biggest fans who cheered him on during his big win.

“The world needs a lot more of Amy in it. Her attitude, her energy – it was contagious. I thought a lot about you on Sunday." pic.twitter.com/WXTr6c1Sim

Those in the golf world were likely already somewhat familiar with Woodland's tragedy of his wife having a miscarriage of one of two twins in 2017. And he was part of a viral video on the PGA Tour's website earlier this year after playing the famous 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale with Amy Bockerstette, a Special Olympics golfer who ended up parring the hole.

Woodland carried his friendship with Bockerstette a step further Sunday, FaceTiming with her in the media center after his victory, and then surprising her on the "Today" show Tuesday.

In Naples in December, Woodland teamed with Charley Hoffman at the Shootout to tie for third behind Brian Harman and Patton Kizzire, who won by a stroke over Emiliano Grillo and Graeme McDowell. In the 2016 Shootout, Woodland also made an ace to win a Mercedes-Benz.

Gary Woodland, center, stands with Mercedes Benz representatives in 2016 after Woodland earlier in the day made a hole-in-one on No. 16 to win a Mercedes Benz during the Shootout pro-am.(Photo: Michael O'Bryon/Franklin Templeton Shootout)

"He's such a nice guy," Strange said. "When you're following someone, you can't help as a human being to get attached a little bit," Strange said. "He's such a nice guy. Brooks is a great guy, too. But Gary's such a nice guy, and if he wins (Sunday), it'll change his life overnight. It's a good story."